Exact date when millions of Brits can expect payment of up to £600 direct to bank account

Many people will be beginning to worry about the cost of their energy bills as winter draws closer but, as Mrs Doubtfire would say, help is on the way.

Sitting here writing with slippers and socks on, it's safe to say that autumn is well and truly on its way, and that can only mean one thing - putting the central heating on.

I know we all try and not do it for as long as we can due to how much it costs, but when the really cold months come into play, it can become vital to keep our homes warm.

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But, in light of the ongoing cost of living crisis, the government has been helping those in need and offered payments to those who are eligible.

Winter fuel payments were first introduced in 1997 with people being given up to £300 to pay heating bills - but 2023 will see some people get an extra £300 on top of this, totalling to £600 landing in their accounts.

This is down to the pensioner cost of living payment on top of the winter fuel payment, which is separate from another other cost of living payments a person may get with benefits and taxes.

Last year, eligible candidates were given their payments some time between November and January, and this year will be the same.

The money will land in the same account that your benefits are paid into.

As per GOV.UK, most people should be paid in November or December - with The Sun reporting payments to start from November 1 - but if you don't get a letter confirming your eligibility or the money hasn't landed by 26 January 2024, people are urged to contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

In regards to eligibility, you can get a winter fuel payment if you were born before 25 September 1957 (the state pension age).

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The amount of money you'll get is based on when you were born and if you were in the UK between 18 to 24 September 2023 - AKA 'qualifying week'.

If you're born between 25 September 1943 and 24 September 1957 and live alone, you can expect a payment of £500, while those born before 25 September 1943 will get £600.

Meanwhile, if you're the right age and live with another person who also qualifies, you'll get between £250 and £350.

If you and a partner both qualify and receive additional benefits, you can get up to £600.

Most people are enrolled for the winter fuel payment automatically, but you may need to apply yourself if you've not got it before or if you've deferred your state pension since your last winter fuel payment.